Made by Google 2025: 10 generations of Pixel and much more

When Google gathers people in a hall to reveal its new gadgets, the air always carries a mix of expectation and curiosity. This year's Made by Google event, held in Brooklyn, was no exception. 

The spotlight naturally fell on the Pixel 10 series, marking a decade since Google first introduced the smartphone lineup.

But the show was about more than just phones, as there were new earbuds, a new smartwatch, and a raft of artificial intelligence features that reminded everyone that Google still sees software as its biggest strength.

A decade of Pixel

The Pixel 10 series represents ten generations of Google's vision for what an Android handset should be. When the first Pixel was launched in 2016, Google promised a device that blended its own software with clean hardware design.

Nine years later, the Pixel series has grown into a family of devices with cameras that rival professional equipment and software powered by custom chips.

The Pixel 10 arrives with the TSMC-made Tensor G5 processor, which Google says is more than a third faster than last year's chip. Besides speed, this extra power enables more than 20 generative AI tools to run directly on the phone. 

The new processor is also the first to carry Gemini Nano, a compact version of Google's AI model. This makes the Pixel 10 less reliant on cloud processing and more capable of working offline.

Pixel 10

At $799, the Pixel 10 is the entry point into the lineup, though it does not feel stripped down. It is the first base Pixel to feature a telephoto camera. The 5x optical zoom can stretch to 10x with Google's image processing and up to 20x using SuperRes Zoom. It also carries a 48MP wide sensor and a 13MP ultrawide lens on the rear, with a 10.5MP front-facing camera for selfies and video calls.

The screen is a 6.3-inch Actua display that can peak at 3,000 nits of brightness, which makes it easy to see even under the midday sun. The design has a satin metal frame and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 on the front, with the usual IP68 resistance against dust and water. Google also claims improved battery life, promising over 30 hours on a single charge, with the ability to reach 55% in half an hour when using a 30W charger.

Colour choices include Obsidian, Frost, Lemongrass, and Indigo — a nod to the 'Really Blue' colour of the first Pixel.

Pixel 10 Pro and Pixel 10 Pro XL

If photography is the priority, the Pro models are built to impress. Both the Pixel 10 Pro and Pro XL come with a 50MP wide camera, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto sensor each. Google calls this its best camera system yet. The Pro models also have more memory, with 16GB of RAM and brighter screens.

The Super Actua displays reach 2,200 nits across the whole panel, or 3,300 when showing HDR content. The Pro has a 6.3-inch screen, while the XL stretches to 6.8 inches. Both support refresh rates up to 120Hz. Battery performance is rated at more than 30 hours, but the XL charges faster, with 45W wired charging and 25W wireless charging, the latter a first for any smartphone.

The Pro starts at $999 and the XL at $1,199, with colours including Moonstone, Jade, Porcelain, and Obsidian.

Pixel 10 Pro Fold

Google's foldable story continues with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. The company has worked on durability this time, introducing a gearless hinge that it says is twice as strong as before. Google even promises the hinge will survive a decade of use. 

The Fold also carries an IP68 rating, making it the first foldable device to claim such protection against water and dust. 

The inside unfolds into an eight-inch Super Actua Reflex display, with a smaller 6.4-inch screen on the outside. Both reach 3,000 nits brightness. The camera array has a 48MP main sensor, a 10.5MP ultrawide lens with macro capability, and a 10.8MP telephoto lens.

With a 5,015mAh battery, the Fold is holding one of the largest cells in foldable phones. Qi2 wireless charging is supported, and it can charge to half capacity in 30 minutes with a 30W adapter. The Fold will launch later than the other models, arriving on 9 October for a price tag of $1,799.

Pixelsnap

Alongside the phones, Google finally introduced its answer to Apple's MagSafe. Called Pixelsnap, it allows Pixel 10 devices to snap onto accessories like chargers, cases and stands with embedded magnets. The system uses the new Qi2 standard, which makes wireless charging faster and more reliable by ensuring precise alignment.

Google is launching its own Pixelsnap accessories, including a charger, charging stand, and cases, but the bigger story is the potential for third-party products. Pixelsnap opens the door to a broader ecosystem of magnetic add-ons that can also work across iPhones and Pixel devices.

More AI stuff

If hardware catches the eye, it is software that defines Google's vision. This year, AI features dominate the Pixel 10 series. Magic Cue is designed to save time by pulling information from Gmail or Calendar when you need it most. If you call your airline, for example, flight details will appear on screen.

Camera Coach offers real-time guidance on composition, framing, and modes. Guided Frame helps blind or low-vision users by describing what the camera sees. Conversational Editing allows users to adjust photos with simple voice prompts. There is also Auto Best Take for group shots, and Gemini Live for on-screen visual guidance.

For communication, Pixel devices now support real-time voice translation during calls, with translations played in your own voice. Call Message sorts missed and spam calls separately, and transcribes conversations live. The phones also include a new app, Pixel Journal, designed for private journaling with AI prompts.

Pixel Watch 4

Moving beyond phones, Google presented the Pixel Watch 4. It has a dome-style screen that is 10% larger than its predecessor and can reach 3,000 nits brightness. Battery life is extended to 40 hours, and both the screen and battery are easier to replace than before.

The watch introduces satellite connectivity for emergencies, an ECG app, and irregular heart rhythm notifications. A fitness coach powered by AI will guide workouts, with Fitbit Premium users gaining first access. The Pixel Watch 4 will be released on 9 October, starting at $349.

Pixel Buds 2a and Buds Pro 2

The new Pixel Buds 2a are Google's smallest and lightest A-Series earbuds yet. They add active noise cancellation, thanks to the Tensor A1 chip, and promise up to 10 hours of battery life (seven with ANC). The case adds 17 more hours, and both buds and case are rated for water and dust resistance.

They will cost $130 and launch on 9 October. At the same time, Google is also updating the Pixel Buds Pro 2 with new features like adaptive audio, loud noise protection, and gesture-based call controls. A new Moonstone colour will be available on 28 August.